News of the potential closure of Marks & Spencer in Weston-super-Mare has sparked frustration, with some claiming this spells "the end" of the town.

Several people have taken to social media to express their concern after the retailer announced it is among the stores across the country facing the axe.

The retail giant said it will be consulting with 74 staff members over the coming weeks.

The branch, located in High Street, which can also be accessed via the Sovereign Shopping Centre, is one of 16 earmarked for closure across the UK as M&S seeks to reduce its number of high street shops whilst promoting online sales.

The news was met with disappointment online, with many quick to sound the death knell for shopping in Weston-super-Mare.

The Sovereign Shopping Centre in Weston-super-Mare

Commenting on Facebook, Candace Chapman and Lynette Smith both described the decision to close as 'a shame'.

Graham Morrissey said: "Weston has died on its feet."

He added in a different comment at the closure will "leave a big hole in the High Street."

His post was echoed by Cejay Hanlon, who said it "Will be the end of Weston."

Debra Jane Thayer was even more succinct, simply posting "awful news", while Kelly Hale said: "Another good store to go."

Keith Nichols said: "Not a lot to go into town for unless you like charity shops. Come on Weston time to put this town back on the map for shopping."

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Ann Quick took a similar view, commenting there is "nothing left in Weston for the more mature ladies."

What North Somerset Council says

North Somerset Council bought the Sovereign Shopping Centre in August last year in partnership with national investor Legal and General as part of a new commercial investment strategy.

In a statement, a spokeswoman said the council knew potential closure was on the cards when it bought the centre for £21 million.

She said: "We were fully aware of the possibility that M&S might close their Weston High Street store when we made our decision to purchase the Sovereign Centre and this was taken into account with the purchase price.

"The majority of the store is in M&S’s freehold ownership.

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"Buying the Sovereign Centre is a key element of our ongoing strategy of investment in Weston town centre.

"Having the shopping centre in the council’s ownership ensures that the wider regeneration and prosperity of the town feature heavily in plans for its future. The Sovereign Centre is a sound investment and will continue to generate valuable income to deliver council services.

74 'colleagues' at the store will be consulted before a decision is made (Image: Getty/Tony Baggett)

"We are working on plans to improve the shopping experience at the centre and we’re confident that it will continue to play an important role in the vitality of the town centre.

"We are committed to continuingly seek to invest in Weston’s town centre with a number of public realm improvements already delivered, and many more in the pipeline including better street layouts, public spaces and pedestrian facilities, as well as the public transport hub planned for Alexandra Parade, all designed to attract more people to spend time in the town centre.